Sandusky Middle School will soon receive new musical instruments, thanks to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a national organization supporting music education in schools. With many school music programs across the country losing vital funding, the foundation helps under-served schools with minimal budgets by donating new instruments, often replacing some that are more than 30 years old.
An application for support was submitted by Sandusky Middle School and the foundation found their program to be a worthwhile investment, allowing more students to be able to play and experience the benefits of music education. The grant will provide numerous band instruments in a total amount valued at $25,390.
Sandusky Middle School principal Dr. Annitra Leigh said, “March is Music In Our Schools Month, and it is so special to receive this grant at this particular time. Not only does this donation allow for greater opportunity for more students, it allows our band students to truly thrive as they explore their musical interests.”
“We believe in supporting schools that recognize the importance of music education for their students,” said Felice Mancini, President and CEO of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. “To give more kids the experience of making music in school is more important than ever and giving teachers quality instruments makes a huge difference. The benefits are tremendous.”
The Sandusky Middle School band program serves students in grades 6-8 and is led by Kenneth Brand. Eighteen brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments will be given to the program thanks to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation grant.
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. The film’s composer, Michael Kamen, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education. The Foundation keeps music alive in our schools by donating musical instruments to under-funded music programs, and vital support services to school districts nationwide, giving economically-disadvantaged youth access to the many benefits of music education, leading them to success in school, and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music. Hundreds of thousands of students across the country have benefited. Please visit mhopus.org for more information.